Stepping onto the mat for the first time can seem intimidating, but it’s important to remember that at one point, everyone who trains at your gym was a Muay Thai newcomer. That’s why it can help to have a few inside tips to encourage you to stick with your training. The following are some pointers from seasoned kickboxing experts to help you overcome the obstacles you’ll face in your first few months of training. 

3 Muay Thai Tips for Newcomers 

1. You Don’t Need to Be in Perfect Shape 

There’s a common misconception that you need to be in superior physical shape to begin Muay Thai training; although it might help, it isn’t necessary. Muay Thai combines aerobic training and skill-based techniques that anyone can learn, allowing you to gradually get into shape and train at your pace. If you find yourself struggling to keep up, slow things down and focus on your technique, which will come in handy later.

2. Watching Fights Helps Training

One of the most important aspects of training in Muay Thai is learning the various moves and combos and executing them. For this reason, it’s important to watch how professionals do it. The more fights you watch, the better you can identify how the experts set themselves up for different holds and combinations as well as how to protect yourself against them. If you’re not sure where to start, ask some of your fellow students or instructors what some of their favorite fights are.

3. Don’t Push Yourself Too Hard 

When you first begin training, you might feel a little discouraged and find yourself struggling with certain training aspects, but don’t give up. Using your body in a rule-based, contact sport is difficult for everyone. Instead of becoming frustrated, use that feeling as an excuse to learn as much about the sport as you can. 

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or simply curious about Muay Thai training, there’s a class and instructor for every level. At 914 Training Center in Scarsdale, NY, their team can help you achieve your goals. As a family-owned and -operated business, they want to make everyone who uses their gym feel at home by providing a safe and welcoming environment. To learn more about their self-defense training and kickboxing classes, call them today at (914) 437-5353. You can also visit them online for a closer look at their offerings.